Michael Ollis - U.S. Military

Staff Sgt. Michael H. Ollis, age 24, of Staten Island, New York, died on August 28, 2013, in Ghazni Province, Afghanistan, of wounds sustained when insurgents attacked his unit with an improvised explosive device, small arms and indirect fire.

He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light), Fort Drum, New York.

Michael joined the Army in August of 2006, straight out of high school.

He was stationed in Fort Campbell, Kentucky and in Germany before he was sent to Fort Drum, New York in November of 2011.

He had been deployed to Iraq in April of 2008. This was his second deployment to Afghanistan. He had been deployed there firstly in June of 2010 and secondly in January of 2013.

Michael's grandfather and father had both served in the Army and he was determined to carry on the family tradition. His father, Robert Ollis, is a Vietnam Veteran and is a Bronze Star recipient.

Michael's awards include the Bronze Star, four Army Commendation Medals, two Army Achievement medals, the Valorous Unit Award, the meritorious Unit Commendation, and two Army Good Conduct Medals, among others.

Friends describe him as a quiet and respectful young man. 

Light a candle for Michael.
Light his way to Heaven. 

Michael will be forever mourned by his loved ones.

Michael is survived by many loving friends and relatives including his parents, Linda and Robert Ollis.

Thank you for serving, Michael. 

Pray without ceasing unto God for an end to this war in Afghanistan. It is enough. We are sick with grief for men like Michael.

Pray that Michael is in heaven. Pray that he is at peace and is with God. Amen.